It’s the self-preservation society.
Arsene Wenger is often portrayed in the British media as the elder statesman of the Premier League. A noble if sometimes overly serious figure who is far too consumed with the study of football to have a laugh or join in with the national pastime of ‘banter’.
But he seems to loosen up a bit on French television. During the European Championships, the Emirates’ boss has developed something of a comedy connection with fellow pundit Marcel Desailly. Along with Arsenal legend Robert Pires, the trio have enthralled the watching public.
https://twitter.com/leonkal/status/741641600699367424
Arsene Wenger and Marcel Desailly currently getting schooled by Luis Fernández on French Question of Sport. pic.twitter.com/WPLxu9ZEl9
— Alex Burd (@alexburd) June 18, 2016
But as was evident on Sunday morning, there’s no rules or loyalty when comes to avoiding a soaking. The three were out on the pitch at the Stade de Lyon ahead of the host country’s big game with Ireland when the stadium sprinklers were suddenly turned on.
Flot ser det ud med Robert Pires, Arsene Wenger og Marcel Desailly. pic.twitter.com/eimBeKshRX
— Morten Bruun (@Bruuntv2sport) June 10, 2016
Eager not to get piss wet through, Wenger took urgent evasive action and quickly crouched behind the ample frame of Desailly. The former Chelsea man has made a career out of shielding his colleagues from danger, although it tended to opposition attackers.
Perhaps slightly embarrassed by his instinctive reaction to the unexpected spray, Arsene popped out from Marcel’s shadow as the whole crew moved elsewhere. But here’s hoping we get to enjoy this slightly less dry version of Wenger in the upcoming season…
BeIN Sports move their panel (including Desailly and Wenger) out of the sprinkler's path… #FRAIRL pic.twitter.com/kkRxAHHSdV
— Laure James (@UEFAcomLaureJ) June 26, 2016
Wenger uses Desailly to protect him from the sprinkler (via @philousports) https://t.co/byTD4Vjcia
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) June 26, 2016
